Before I started using a preamp with a parametric EQ I used a Boss PQ-3B Bass Parametric EQ pedal. It had 3 parametric bands with frequency and levels for each. I liked the low band on the pedal since it could be adjusted to boost the 30Hz frequency of a low B. It is the only EQ pedal I had seen at that point that had a frequency boost down at the 30hz band.

You can typcially find the pedal used on www.musicgoround.com for around $50-$60.
Try a search for Boss PQ or Boss Bass.

Originally posted by BFunk Raven-Labs True Blue EQ. This the best out there for bass for small $$$. It is less that a half-rack wide and slightly higher that a rack-space. (Kinda wierd, I know.)

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I've been reading reviews of this, and it sounds awesome. I read this snippet from one review at the Dudepit:

The first nice thing that I noticed is that no volume change occurs if the EQ is in or out. As I cut and boosted various frequencies, I did not notice any volume change. This is different from other EQ's that I have used, where if you boost the high-bass or low-mid frequencies, it seems to boost the volume.

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Also:

the adjustments are gain-compensated, so it doesn't increase or decrease the overall gain as you twiddle.

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Bfunk, how well does this work in practice? So you boost, say, +10db @ 40hz. It keeps the overall level the same? If true, that's amazing and I simply must get one in a few weeks time, soon as that pesky bonus check arrives.

Originally posted by davidmwilson Bfunk, how well does this work in practice? So you boost, say, +10db @ 40hz. It keeps the overall level the same? If true, that's amazing and I simply must get one in a few weeks time, soon as that pesky bonus check arrives.

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I wouldn't really say that. I think that the effect is more subtle than other eq because of it's design. If you look at the specs, you will see that you can boost the signal of a band up to 15 dB. However the max overall gain is 6 dB. Weird, but this makes sense when you look at the design:

Boost or cut is achieved by adding or subtracting the original signal to itself in a parallel arrangement. Most EQs use active series circuits that can muddy the signal, cause phase shifting, and other undesired anomolies. The bandwidths in the boost mode were chosen for musicality, and are a function of frequency. The bandwidths in the cut mode are narrower, creating more of a notch filter affect. This allows the user to better pinpoint a problem area without drastically altering the true sound. Hence the name, true blue. You will notice the difference the first time you use it!

I wouldn't really say that. I think that the effect is more subtle than other eq because of it's design. If you look at the specs, you will see that you can boost the signal of a band up to 15 dB. However the max overall gain is 6 dB. Weird, but this makes sense when you look at the design:

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BFunk, I'll check one of these out in a bit and report back...

And redneck2wild, I'll keep an eye out for a PQ-3B and see if I can score one cheap. I'm not the biggest Boss fan, apart from the TU-2 tuner and V-Wah, but I'll try it out if I can.